Cherry on Fire

CHERRY

Cherries have been used to symbolize feminine beauty as well as love and even divination. In ancient China they were a symbol of immortality or longevity. In Japan, the cherry was the samurai’s symbol. For these warriors, the crushing of the fruit’s flesh (to reach the hard pit within) was a symbol os sacrificing human flesh to get to the core of the person. In tattoo artwork, it is not uncommon to see the cherries paired, as they might come in nature. They can appear by themselves or sometimes in the mouth of a classic swallow. In these Western contexts, they take on a sexual overtone about virginity (and its loss) that is variously interpreted as “Gone forever” or “Here’s mine, Where’s yours?”.

FLAMES

Considered one of the fundamental elements of nature in many cultures, fire has conflicting symbolic associations, as one might expect for something that can warm and illuminate, as well as destroy and consume. The Judeo-Christian tradition contains many examples of holy fire, from the burning bush of Moses to Pentecost. For the Hindus, fire comes in many distinct forms, including lightning and the sun. It has also been used as a symbol of purification and renewal from the Americas to Japan. Many of these symbolic meanings are exploited in tattoo art where fire and flames add more passion, brilliancy, and ardor to everything from hot-rods to the sacred heart.

From www.terisagreen.com/books/encyclopedia.html

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